A sold-out show at the Granada and a punk show up in Denton highlight tonight's kickoff to the work week.
Josh Ritter, Samantha Crain and Doug Burr at the Granada Theater
Raised
by his two neuroscientist parents in Moscow, Idaho, folk singer Josh
Ritter has traveled quite the odd path on his way to relative commercial
success. Since 1999, Ritter has released a series of well-received
albums that feature classic folk and country themes. 2002's Golden Age
of Radio got the attention of people other than folk purists and, since
that time, Ritter has continued to improve as a singer and a songwriter.
Perhaps too literate for his own good, Ritter actually incorporates
images from such southern gothic writers as Flannery O'Connor and Barry
Hannah into his songwriting. Somehow, though, this heady brew manages to sound as simple and earnest
as Dylan did on John Wesley Harding. And that's saying a hell of a lot.
Oklahoma's Samantha Crain and our own beloved Doug Burr are included on a
bill that could be subtitled "Songwriting 101."
Elvis Took Acid, Bone Doggie, Collapse and FUnk NUg at Hailey's Club in Denton
Another
Punk Rock Monday Night Showcase at Hailey's brought together by Denton's FUnk NUg.
Tonight's proceedings feature Dallas' Elvis Took Acid, a nasty little
combo that revels in old-school '80s punk a la Fear and Black Flag. Songs
such as "Vicious Cycle" and "Nutt Job" are as immature as they are
clichéd, but that doesn't mean they aren't first-rate. Anger, obscenity
and energy can make up for a lack of originality. At least it does this
time. Seeing that Monday evenings can be pretty uneventful as far as
shows go, FUnk NUg should be heralded for keeping the DIY spirit alive
and well.
